Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

The perfect Christmas tree does exist (and it tastes like pizza). Holiday parties are here, and this appetizer is too cute not to make. This festive appetizer is basically pizza pull-apart bread that got a makeover from Buddy the Elf. After reading that sentence, you should know that there’s no way you won’t love this recipe. Not only does this Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread look presentable on a platter, it’s so easy to make and has a short ingredient list. Using store-bought pizza dough and marinara sauce will save you time, but the results are still homemade deliciousness. Since it’s rooted in pizza, this is an appetizer that’s perfect for family gatherings because both kids and adults will love it. It’s so easy to make that you could even get your kids to help put it together while you finish up other party preparations.

Start with a can of pizza dough, roll it out on a flat surface, and cut the dough into 36 squares with a pizza cutter. In a bowl, add cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto and stir them together. Add a spoonful of the cheese and pesto mixture to each pizza dough square, and pinch the corners together. Close up the seam on your dough square to form a ball around the mixture, and place the ball seam-side down on a parchment paper-covered sheet pan. As you place the mixture-filled dough on the sheet pan, place the dough balls in the formation of a Christmas tree. Bake the completed Christmas tree for 15 minutes at 400˚. While your Christmas tree is in the oven (never thought we’d say that), combine butter and minced garlic in a small bowl and melt the mixture in the microwave for about 20 seconds. When the Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread comes out of the oven, brush it with your fresh garlic butter. What’s a Christmas tree if it’s not decorated, though? Top your bread with chopped fresh parsley, chopped red bell pepper, and mini pepperoni for a holiday look, not to mention great taste. Tuck sprigs of fresh rosemary under the edges of your Christmas tree for a final festive touch. Pair with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, and the most adorable holiday appetizer you’ve ever made is complete!